Hongjie Zhang , Zehua Jiang , Ziyang Liu , Zhixiong Hong , Mengqiang Tian , Rusen Zhu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
This study aimed to systematically investigate how different degrees of mechanical loading caused by varying varus angles affect stress distribution and chondrocyte apoptosis in the medial tibial plateau of the knee joint. Specifically, it integrates finite-element analysis to simulate biomechanical stress patterns and evaluates the molecular responses (Piezo1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 expressions) to elucidate the mechanobiological interplay contributing to cartilage degeneration.
Methods
Four knee models with varus angles (6°, 9°, 12°, and 15°) were constructed from computed tomography images. Finite-element analysis was used to evaluate stress distribution and von Mises stress peaks on the medial tibial platform cartilage. Material properties of biological tissues were included. Clinical samples of corresponding varus angles were analyzed for Piezo1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 expression using immunofluorescence and histochemistry.
Findings
The von Mises stress peak contact area of the medial tibial plateau cartilage significantly decreased with increasing varus deformity (p < 0.05), and Piezo1 expression increased with stress load. Elevated Piezo1 expression was associated with significantly higher levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 (p < 0.05).
Interpretation
Pathological mechanical loading accelerates chondrocyte apoptosis via the endogenous apoptotic pathway, promoting the progression of knee osteoarthritis. These findings highlight Piezo1 as a potential therapeutic target for managing stress-induced cartilage degeneration.
期刊介绍:
Clinical Biomechanics is an international multidisciplinary journal of biomechanics with a focus on medical and clinical applications of new knowledge in the field.
The science of biomechanics helps explain the causes of cell, tissue, organ and body system disorders, and supports clinicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of treatment methods and technologies. Clinical Biomechanics aims to strengthen the links between laboratory and clinic by publishing cutting-edge biomechanics research which helps to explain the causes of injury and disease, and which provides evidence contributing to improved clinical management.
A rigorous peer review system is employed and every attempt is made to process and publish top-quality papers promptly.
Clinical Biomechanics explores all facets of body system, organ, tissue and cell biomechanics, with an emphasis on medical and clinical applications of the basic science aspects. The role of basic science is therefore recognized in a medical or clinical context. The readership of the journal closely reflects its multi-disciplinary contents, being a balance of scientists, engineers and clinicians.
The contents are in the form of research papers, brief reports, review papers and correspondence, whilst special interest issues and supplements are published from time to time.
Disciplines covered include biomechanics and mechanobiology at all scales, bioengineering and use of tissue engineering and biomaterials for clinical applications, biophysics, as well as biomechanical aspects of medical robotics, ergonomics, physical and occupational therapeutics and rehabilitation.